Reporting online harassment and cybercrime

Abuse that happens on a phone or computer is still abuse. Threats in your inbox, a fake profile spreading lies about you, someone breaking into your accounts, or private photos shared without your consent can all cause real harm. Many of these things are crimes in South Africa, and you can report them.

This guide explains what counts, how to protect yourself, how to keep evidence and where to report.

What counts as online harassment or cybercrime

The Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 makes it a crime, among other things, to:

• break into your accounts, phone or computer without permission;
• trick you out of money or information online;
• use threats online to force you to pay or do something;
• send messages that threaten violence against you or your property;
• share an intimate image of you without your consent.

The Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 also covers harassment by phone, message, email, social media or any other electronic means. That includes repeated unwanted messages, being watched or tracked, and contact that makes you fear you will be harmed.

If the person harassing you is a partner, ex-partner or family member, the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 may apply instead. Read Applying for a protection order.

First steps to protect yourself

1. Don't respond or hit back. Replying often makes things worse, and anything you say can be used against you. Stay silent rather than argue.
2. Save the evidence before you block. Take screenshots first. Blocking or deleting can make some messages harder to find later.
3. Secure your accounts. Change your passwords, starting with your email. Turn on two-step verification, and log out of any devices you don't recognise.
4. Call your bank straight away if money is involved. If you shared banking details or lost money, the sooner your bank knows, the more it may be able to do.
5. Tell someone you trust. Online abuse can be isolating. You don't have to deal with it alone.

If someone is threatening to share intimate images or videos of you unless you pay, don't pay and don't send anything more. Read Sextortion and online blackmail.

Keeping evidence

Good evidence makes it much easier for the police, the platform or a court to act. Keep a full record, even of things that seem small.

• Take screenshots that show the message, the sender's username, and the date and time.
• Copy the link to the profile, post or page, not just the name shown. Names can change; links are more useful.
• Save whole conversations, not just the worst messages, so the context is clear.
• Keep emails in full, rather than forwarding them.
• Write a simple log: the date, what happened, which account or number was used, and how it affected you.
• Back up your evidence somewhere safe, such as a second device or a trusted friend.

Don't edit or crop screenshots in a way that hides details. Keep the originals.

Reporting to the platform

Most social media sites, apps and email services have a way to report abuse, fake accounts and shared intimate images. Use the report button on the post, message or profile. Platforms can remove content and close accounts, often faster than any other route.

Reporting to a platform is not the same as reporting to the police. Do both if a crime has been committed. Save your evidence before you report, in case the content is removed.

Reporting to the police

You can open a case at any police station. Read Opening a case at a police station for the full process.

• Take printed copies of your screenshots and your written log, and keep the originals on your phone.
• Explain clearly what happened and when. Mention the Cybercrimes Act if the officer is unsure whether the conduct is a crime.
• Get your CAS number and the investigating officer's contact details.

Some stations have less experience with online crime. Be patient but firm. If you are turned away, read If the police won't help you.

Getting a protection order

You don't have to wait for a criminal case to finish to get protection. You can apply at the Magistrate's Court for a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act. The order can stop the person from contacting you, including online.

If you don't know who is behind an account, the court can direct the police or the service provider to help find out who the person is. Read Protection orders for harassment.

Getting support

Online abuse can leave you anxious, ashamed or afraid to use your phone. Those reactions are normal, and help is available.

• In an emergency: SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a cell phone.
• GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428, for all genders, 24 hours a day.
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567, 24 hours a day.
• Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322, 24 hours a day.
• Childline South Africa: 116, for children and teens.
• Legal Aid South Africa Advice Line: 0800 110 110.

You can report what happened anonymously at /report and tick that you would like support, or contact our support team at /contact?topic=support. More helplines are listed at /resources.